Each year I actually name my year and what it’s going to mean to me.
2008 was the year to activate. 2009 was the year to shine. 2010 is the year of Zen.
I’m not quite decided on 2010 motto. To me it means the year is going to align in ways I never thought possible. I think if I use my best Kiwi accent then ‘2010 the year to Win’ is even better.
I’m not alone in my thinking. All the people I’ve touched base with in the last few weeks seem to have an unbound optimism for the coming year. I’m excited that it’s being talked up because this hasn’t exactly been the easiest year for anyone.
Recession leading to massive unemployment levels, banks going bankrupt, investors losing millions and defaults on mortgages being commonplace.
Coupled with climate change leading to the Copenhagen talks and dire situations of flooding, heatwaves and other weather extremes, as well as the recent uncovering of dodgy scientists falsifying ‘facts’. This all means 2010 frankly has every reason to be much better than 2009.
That said this year has been a fundamentally life changing one for me, not in a dramatic fashion. But from a huge learning perspective, both personally and at a business level and also on the level of deeper connections, friendships, connections and relationships.
Having the opportunity to become a cofounder of a fantastic startup that is introducing the world to Social Commerce with FundRazr was and is truly a great honour.
Starting WomanzWorld.com on the side was also something completely new for me and acts as an outlet for my thoughts and perspectives on being in business. It’s also a great way platform to connect with female entrepreneurs that rock while being on a mission to change the world we women live in for the better!
I’ve found out some things about myself that I’m impressed with but also some things I truly need to work on. I’m never sure whether it’s the perfectionist in me and the, at times, unrealistic expectations I have of myself that makes me feel like I have failed more often than succeeded this year.
It’s also a common entrepreneurial trait. The ability to keep asking more of yourself.
It’s also interesting when I reflect back on 09 that I overlook the amazing travels to Hawaii for a great Ultimate Frisbee tournament and exploration. The incredible trip to Costa Rica for an entrepreneurial `Livin Large’ vacation with very special people. The bronze medal my Women’s Ultimate team won at Canadian Nationals in Winnipeg of all places. The fact that I went from living in the first place that I felt at home in over 3 years to becoming a nomad again. And did I mention some amazing party moments with fantastic friends?
All in all I’m overly confident that I can take the lessons learned from this `shiny’ year and make 2010 the year that I push more boundaries than I ever thought possible. Bring it on!
Thanks to Gwen Bell’s awesome idea of `The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge’ for inspiring this post.